THE QUEEN OF TIMELESS FASHION

A new exhibition dedicated to the style of Elizabeth II throughout each decade of her life opens this spring. Deputy royal editor REBECCA RUSSELL gets a sneak preview of some of the most iconic and influential outfits

- REBECCA RUSSELL

SHE WAS Britain's longest-reigning monarch with one of the most recognisable faces on Earth. But Queen Elizabeth II's impact also extended to her sartorial style and the iconic outfits she wore. Which is why this spring, to celebrate 100 years since her birth, Buckingham Palace is staging a rare exhibition to chart the fashion legacy of the late sovereign throughout each decade of her life.

Opening at the King's Gallery on April 10, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will display 200 rarely seen outfits, jewellery and accessories. Some have never before been on public display.

The showcase will also celebrate Elizabeth's influence on leading British designers, including Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn and Christopher Kane - all of whom are set to contribute their reflections on her fashion legacy in the official centenary publication, Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style.

Here, exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut reveals her own fashion highlights and what they say about the late Queen.

• Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is at the King's Gallery in Buckingham Palace from April 10 to October 18. Entry is £22 for adults, £14 for 18 to 24-year-olds, £11 for 5-17 years. Under 5s free. Concessions available. Visit rct/collection/exhibitions

CLEAR RAINCOAT, HARDY AMIES, 1960STHIS clear plastic raincoat was designed by Hardy Amies, who later went on to create the costumes for the 1968 film A Space Odyssey. Its uniqueness is not lost on de Guitaut.

"It struck me as a directional piece," she says. "What's so wonderful about it is that I can remember wearing little plastic raincoats as a child but this one is made by a couturier!

"It is elegantly tailored and has beautiful little mother-of-pearl buttons.

"Everything about it speaks to Hardy Amies' strengths. Much like Elizabeth's see-through umbrellas, the coat allowed her vibrant clothing to be seen in a crowd, while keeping her safe from the rain."